Greek Council for Refugees
Challenging discriminatory asylum legislation, unlawful practices, and violations of international protection standards in Greece through strategic litigation and advocacy.
Key Discriminatory Practices Challenged
Suspension of Asylum Applications
In July 2025, Article 79 of Law 5218/2025 imposed a three‑month ban on asylum applications for individuals arriving by sea from North Africa, violating international and EU asylum law and the principle of non‑refoulement
Arbitrary Detention & Conditions
Asylum seekers, including families and torture survivors, are detained in police cells and Closed Controlled Access Centres under extended detention laws and punitive measures.
Attacks on Legal Aid & Civil Society
Authorities have targeted lawyers and NGOs following adverse ECHR rulings, attempting to undermine access to justice and discredit human rights advocacy
Systematic Pushbacks
Landmark ECHR rulings confirmed Greece’s responsibility for systematic pushbacks involving secret detention and forced returns to Turkey without due process.
Safe Third Country Designation
Legal actions challenge Turkey’s designation as a safe third country for multiple nationalities, leaving thousands without effective access to asylum procedures or basic services
Legal Actions and Outcomes
Court Orders Against Deportation: In August 2025, GCR secured interim court orders halting the deportation of four Sudanese men and granting access to asylum procedures.
Challenging Appeals Committees: Legal challenges questioned the constitutionality of replacing independent asylum appeals committees with government‑controlled bodies.
International Submissions: Regular reports submitted to the UN, EUAA, and Council of Europe document violations and recommend policy reforms.
© Greek Council for Refugees – Legal Advocacy & Human Rights Protection